Conference Review 2

Greetings David et al,

Thank you again for a wonderful Conference. I previously completed the survey . However I did not find a place to add this info:

I thought that the guest speakers were terrific. (I realize these are locality-driven, so might not be available resources for other conferences, but hope the type and style could potentially be replicated elsewhere.) Not sure if I could "rank" them, but here are some of my favorites and why:

Rabbi Jason Weiner - his experiences at Cedars-Sinai were not only interesting for the insight he provided into the family's and the patient's coping (or lack) mechanisms and behavior; but his anecdotes were substantive and even amusing

Rob Eshman - really got us laughing; he was entertaining and very informative in re contemporary methods of communication, publicity, providing concrete direction. This was a fun, amusing, yet valuable presentation

Rabbi Wolpe and Craig Taubman - always interesting, entertaining, inspiring. (Since I am in So Cal, I get to hear Rabbi Wolpe from time to time and always come away with a useful nugget.) Enjoyed Rabbi W's insight and practical advice. [In fact, I quoted a story he told for an article* I wrote for a local online publication.] Both were very moving and a nice way to welcome folks and set the tone of the conference.

Rabbi Elliot Dorff - appreciate the depth of his experience, knowledge and insight (with a bit of practicality) into Halacha (for example here, on cremation and green burial, etc.)

Reb Mimi Feigelson - ["Psycho-Spiritual Preparation for Shiva: Observations of a Rebellious Daughter] generously "exposed" herself by sharing very personal, sensitive and touching personal perspective and provided a great deal of insight [sorry to keep using this word, but it applies] into the feelings, mindset and perspective of the mourner

I know it was there in part as an advertisement for Julie Cohen's Gazelle Woodworks, but I loved the opportunity the casket-in-the-room provided for speakers to reference it in their talks.

*On request from the editor, prompted by the article Susan Barnes wrote in which she quoted me; just sent it yesterday, so it is not yet published; will let you know when [if?] it is

Thanks again. Perhaps I'll get to Philadelphia (my home town) next year. If not, I still appreciate the opportunity to meet folks doing important work for the Jewish Community and thank you again for your offer of resources and assistance.